Hunting for the perfect curl may not be easy, it may take a while until you find the right products and techniques to achieve the perfect curl, but it will all be worth it in the end. So right now it may look like a ball of fuzz and hassle to you, but once you have figured out the needs of your hair, you will be thankful that you're gifted with these curls. So read on to be let in on the beauty secrets that every curly girl should follow.

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Steps

Part 1 of 4: Keeping your cool

1

Ditch the heat. Heat styling tools such as flat irons and curling irons do nothing but damage your locks and, turn your hair into a dry, brittle, unhealthy mess since you are basically frying your hair when using them.

If you have been using heat tools, stop. To remove existing damage, get your split ends cut off; you can get this done at your local hair stylist of even do it yourself if you dare.

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Part 2 of 4: Washing curly hair

1

Don't wash your hair every day. You may think that its good for your hair to wash it daily. But when you wash your hair daily, you're actually stripping it of its natural oils, resulting in it turning dry and frizzy. Curly hair requires a lot more moisture than straight hair so it's quite bad for it to be washed daily, Instead, only wash your hair two to four times a week. You can condition your hair between washes if you like.

2

Find the right shampoo and conditioner. You may not think it matters much about what shampoo and conditioners you use, yet it does. The type of shampoo and conditioner you use has a big impact on your hair. Everyone's hair has different needs, so the type of shampoo and conditioner you use all relies on personal choice and what you feel leaves your hair looking and feeling its best.

If you are on a swim team, etc., and swim in a chlorinated pool regularly ,you should be using a clarifying shampoo and conditioner as the chlorine in the pool can be harmful to your hair.

3

When conditioning your hair, apply the conditioner starting about an inch down from the root all the way down to the tips of your hair, don't apply too much conditioner because this can result in your hair being greasy, just apply enough so that your hair is feeling silky and smooth. Wait about 1-3 minutes before rinsing the conditioner out of your hair, during this time brush your hair with your fingers until most of the knots are out, then use a wide toothed comb working up from the tips to the roots so your hair doesn't get damaged.

4

Deep condition your hair at least once a week to keep it hydrated. There are many deep conditioning treatments available such as the Garnier Fructis Nutri-Repair 5 Minute Ultra Nourishing Butter Mask.

5

Detangle your hair after each wash. As a curly haired girl, hopefully you already know that unless it's Halloween and you're in need of an afro, you should avoid brushing your hair when it's dry because it will just go pouf! Use a detangling spray on any knots, and carefully work through them with your fingers or a wide toothed comb, not a normal brush (which will cause hair breakage).

6

Avoid towel drying curly hair. When you scrub at your strands with the towel, this causes friction which increases the amount of frizz in your hair when it's dry. While in the shower, gently wring your hair to get some of the water out of it. To avoid your hair being dripping wet, wrap it up in a towel on top of your head for about 5-10 minutes.

7

If you're in a hurry and have no time to let your hair air dry, use a diffuser (blow-dryer attachment). A hairdryer is a curly haired girl's worst nightmare, because it simply makes your hair go pouf! While pointing the diffuser in the direction of the curl, hold the curl in your hand and gently squeeze it while drying, however you should not be using a hair blower in your hair too often, and when you do, make sure to use a heat protectant.

Part 3 of 4: Using hair care products

1

Use the right hair care products. Curls are prone to frizz, to prevent this frizz you should use an anti-frizz serum. To add extra shine to your hair and help in the repair process, a great hair care product to use is the Organix coconut milk. If you want to add a little more moisture to your hair you can apply a leave in conditioner. You don't necessarily have to buy expensive high end hair treatments to keep your hair looking good, there are some great products available at drugstores and target that work well.

2

Do not cake on any hair product all at once. As you should know, it's best to apply products while your hair is still damp. Do not put layer upon layer of different products on your hair, because curls need to breathe. Too many hair care products in your hair will just cause greasiness and frizz. It is recommended you only use about one to four hair care products in your hair, and make sure that you wait about three to five minutes between applying hair care products, so that the hair care product you just used has time to set into your hair. A great method of applying a hair care product to your hair is by gently scrunching it in; this stops your curls from becoming flat.

3

Use curling mousse and gels. These are great products for giving your curls definition and for creating those scrunched beachy waves. However, if too much gel or mousse is used, it can give your hair that stiff, crunchy feeling, so make sure to apply the right amount and distribute it evenly by scrunching it through your hair. Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly line has a great range of styling products such as mousse and gels that work well without making your hair crunchy and smelly.

4

Make your own deep scalp and hair treatment from coconut oil.

Use organic unrefined coconut oil.

Section the hair into parts.

Apply a small amount of coconut oil. Slowly massage the scalp and hair for 10 to 15 minutes.

Cover the hair with a shower cap. Then wrap with a towel.

Leave on for 5-10 minutes. Then wash off with mild shampoo.

Part 4 of 4: Extra curly hair tricks

1

Shape the hair by scrunching it some more and twirling pieces around a finger.

2

Love your curls. You are very lucky to be gifted with these gorgeous locks, so get out there and embrace them!

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Video

Sarai shows you what she does to keep her curly hair looking great!

Tips

If you have trouble combing out those crazy curls a tip is that when you have conditioner in your hair, before rinsing it out comb your entire head with your fingers and rinse your hair with cold water so that the moisturizing conditioner is sealed into the cuticle.

Warnings

Be careful when using clarifying shampoos. The sulfates in them can be damaging to curly hair and will leave the hair itself dry.

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